Based on Acts 28:1-10 (New King James Version)
“Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.’ But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
Life is full of circumstances, of good and bad circumstances. But what ultimately defines circumstances as being good or bad? Everything depends on not only how we decide to look at them, but rather, where our sight is set on. That is not only what determines how we see circumstances, but even more importantly, how we decide to react to them. As we can see in today’s passage, we cannot let our circumstances dictate the way we choose to live life, especially if we say that we believe and follow Christ. The most important thing is to keep in mind where our faith is set, and to let that determine how we see and react to circumstances (it’s easier said then done, but everything is possible if you really love Christ).
To start, if we see the whole story, we would have known that Paul had just survived a shipwreck and that his trip to Rome had been interrupted almost in a deadly kind of way. And this voyage that Paul had set on was not one of pleasure, but rather, he was being transported as a prisoner, so he could stand before Caesar because he had been preaching the Gospel. Paul had done nothing wrong. Paul’s great evil (ironically speaking) was to have been concerned with his neighbor’s eternal wellbeing and providing the greatest service he could give his fellow man—the opportunity of having eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. That was his crime. So then, with just that issue, if Paul would have let himself be guided by instincts of human self-preservation, he would have stopped sharing the Gospel. Because after all, what logic (humanly speaking) is there in risking your freedom, your life, for something like that, right? At the very least, that’s how many people thought before and think today as well. There are many that are ashamed or do not follow the things of God for many reasons. Nonetheless, Paul understood what real faith was about, that it was more important to please God then men, and that loving God rendered greater rewards. So, we can then see that Paul’s faith made him do many things that were not humanly logical, and even more so, he would see these supposedly bad circumstances as opportunities, as he wrote himself inspired by the Holy Spirit: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.
Let’s see even more Paul’s thoughts: “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.” Philippians 1:12-13. So then, he saw his imprisonment as opportunities for the gospel, that being locked up was an advantage for the furtherance of the gospel. How can this be? Because God knows what He is doing and why He allows for things to happen (and that would be another very long message, but let’s stay focused on today’s discussion). So, how was Paul able to react in that manner to something so unpleasant? Let’s continue seeing this that Paul wrote: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13. Paul found his strength in Christ, the ability to withstand any kind of situation.
Now then, Paul, in no way was he governed by his circumstances, but rather, he was governed by something else that was much greater. What was that? For it is written just as he said it himself: For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7. His faith in Christ was what would lead him to do things that transcended human logic, to put his carnal needs and goals as secondary, and to be willing to suffer different circumstances so he could be able to reach greater and more valuable things, eternal things. What is faith? “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Faith is being able to see beyond, the ability of being able to cling on to something or Someone that will be seen later. So, it was not just faith alone, but also, where or on Who he had decided to put his faith on, as it is also written: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Faith goes hand-in-hand with hope, and this is what is written regarding hope in God: “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” Romans 8:24-25.
And finally, this was Paul’s view, and also the view of those that have put, and are putting carnal things in second place, to be able to gain something far more superior that this temporary world, and to be found worthy through Jesus Christ to receive the following as it is also written: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16. Neither Paul, nor any of us that have decided to follow Christ, no matter what happens, want for God to be ashamed of us. That should be the reason for everything we do, including suffering and even coming to die, if necessary, for the Gospel, so that God’s will is fulfilled in us, because we love Him above all things. So then, what is governing your life? Is it your love and faith in God, or letting yourself be dominated and subdued by your circumstances? Lord bless! John